Officials of Nigeria’s men’s basketball national team, D’Tigers have sent a heartwarming farewell message to the squad’s former captain, Ike Diogu and his erstwhile assistant, Ben Uzor, following their exclusions from the squad for this year’s Olympic Games.
The message was issued by D’Tigers’ media unit, following the absences of both players’ names in the provisional 16 man roster by the D’Tigers head coach, an emotional video tribute was released to celebrate both players who would have been making their last Olympic appearance in Nigeria’s colours.
D’Tigers’ media noted that Diogu remains one of the greatest players in Nigerian basketball history with two Olympic appearances, one AfroBasket title, a most valuable player award and all-time leading scorer in Nigerian basketball history.
While Diogu and Uzoh are not included in the roster, D’Tigers’ 16-player provisional list includes Josh Okogie, Gabe Vincent, Jordan Nwora, Chimezie Metu, Jahlil Okafor, Obi Emegano, Caleb Agada, Stan Okoye, Kz Okpala, Precious Achiuwa, Miye Oni, Ekpe Udoh, Mike Gbinije, Chima Moneke, Ike Iroegbu and Ike Nwamu.
The list is expected to be trimmed down to 12 players who will then represent Nigeria at the Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, starting next week, ahead of which D’Tigers’ media unit stated: “We will be without our two captains in Tokyo. Nigeria basketball would not be what it is today without these two. Thank you Ben Uzoh and Ike Diogu. Nigerian heroes 🇳🇬.”
